Prostate Cymru Awareness Talks in Gwent Amal Branch

By Craig Kinsey, ULR Gwent Amal

CWU Members in Royal Mail delivery offices across the Gwent Amal Branch are benefiting from a series of important and educational health awareness talks delivered by the charity Prostate Cymru in partnership with the CWU. The talks, offered at Work Time Listening and Learning are aimed at raising awareness of men’s health, prostate cancer and the importance of early diagnosis

Prostate Cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting men in Wales and across the UK. 63,000 men are diagnosed annually and 12,000 men die annually in the UK.

By working with Prostate Cymru the CWU is helping to educate our members, encourage open discussion around men’s health, challenge stigma and make sure members know the signs and symptoms to look out for.

The branch has developed a close relationship with Dai John, volunteer and head of awareness for Prostate Cymru who delivers the talks. Dai shares all the knowledge and experience of his own journey from diagnosis of prostate cancer to full recovery. In a recent visit to Cwmbran Delivery Office, one of our members said “We learned that ignoring it isn’t actually a medical strategy and that a quick check up is far less uncomfortable than the alternative” and “The session was a brilliant myth-buster, proving that early diagnosis well before symptoms show up is the ultimate game changer. It’s safe to say we all left a little more informed and a lot less stubborn about our health. Several of us have already booked our screenings.

The branch in partnership with Prostate Cymru plans to continue the talks and visit as many offices as possible, spreading awareness and educating our members on their health and well being. We thank Prostate Cymru for the vital work they continue to do in our workplaces and communities.

Dai John of Prostate Cymru at Tredegar DO.